If there was any misgiving about the popularity and broad based support for Mr. Festus Ashima to emerge as Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, the atmosphere that characterised the July 13, 2024, council election in the area dispelled any doubt.
As early as 6:00 am on election day, political associates, party faithful, friends and well-wishers had gathered in large numbers for the exercise scheduled to commence two hours later. 
The entire leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) turned out for the election. To the credit of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), by 8:00am, all the materials billed for the exercise as well as officials were already in place in all wards of Warri North Council.
The election proved to be a resounding success in organisation and turnout as the large crowd of voters exercised their civic responsibility in an orderly, peaceful and rancour-free atmosphere.
Hawkers made brisk sales of bottled and sachet water, soft drinks and assortment of beverages. Not even the rain could deter the voters as they kept trouping out in their numbers. It was a carnival-like environment as message bearing banners and posters of various sizes provided an ambience of serenity on the lovely streets of Koko, the administrative headquarters of the local government and other towns in the council area.
On the banners were messages of goodwill and solidarity. National Coordinator, Delta Political Vanguard, Michael Diden, described Ashima as a man of destiny and bridge builder. “He is humble, amiable, intelligent and a very focused young man,” said Diden, an evangelist.
Also speaking, Fred Martins, member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Warri North, noted that Ashima represents the new generation of patriotic Warri North indigenes.
“Festus Ashima will, no doubt, introduce elegance, creativity, uncommon courage and forthrightness to the administration of the local government,” Martins affirmed.
Although several political parties fielded candidates for the council election, it was a straight contest between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and Chief Samson Omaluli of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, it turned out to be a no-contest as Ashima’s support was so overwhelming.
Ashima and Omaluli earlier embarked on campaign in preparation for the election. Evidently, the PDP and its candidate showed greater commitment during the campaign as they reached every Ward in the council area. Ashima himself went further to undertake a door-to-door campaign in all the communities.
His strategy was intensive and far reaching and he proved to be a very effective communicator of his programmes to the people of the local government. This clearly paid off in the decisive victory of PDP.
Going by the large turnout of people at all the campaign venues, it was clear that the PDP candidate was primed for a resounding victory. At every Ward campaign venue, the crowd that came to hear him was impressive.
It was just logical that when D-day came on July 13, 2024, Ashima was the choice of the people of Warri North as they all trooped out to the polling centres in large numbers to cast their votes for him.
When the results were released by the returning officer, Mr. John Imilah, Ashima emerged victorious, beating his opponent resoundingly with 18,128 votes. His APC opponent scored 600 votes.
The news of the results triggered jubilation in the entire local government area. This was a clear indication of Ashima’s popularity and acceptance by majority of the people of Warri North.
Messages of congratulations have since been pouring in for the chairman. Solidarity groups, communities, various youth organisations, well-wishers, political associates and other stakeholders welcomed his victory, seeing it as the beginning of a new era for the development and progress of the area.
*Agbanigbi wrote from Asaba, Delta State.
